While we began circling one another, Mom set up a barrier to keep the others safe from the after effects of the attacks.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA7A5zc8Pd9S
Ecluna, with her Ecliptic energy, makes herself a weapon, before dashing towards me.
168Please respect copyright.PENANASrw7t62e22
With my spear, I managed to block the first attack, before dodging another. Ecluna continues to giggle as she continues to attack. Finally, I landed a stunning blow on Ecluna. I could feel the Eclipse grow weaker.
168Please respect copyright.PENANARdf8Hg7gBf
I glance towards Arelin, Jake and the others. I felt a warm feeling when I saw the turned become more normal.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAHxQVsEqala
Ecluna suddenly throws herself onto me, landing blow after blow right into my stomach.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAkLI5MBOtkU
I feel the pain burn within my entire body as her attacks grow stronger.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAaLLli4O2Zg
Pushing her away, I return with my own barrage of attacks. I painfully get up with steady legs, but I just couldn't help but to make sure the others were okay.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAuHC9X15jm1
"Iris, don't tell me you're holding back to make sure your friends are okay..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAX6EhY0NcpV
Despite her large decrease in power, Ecluna's grip around my throat was tight.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAL2CiiveAwp
"What's the matter? Have you already given up on fighting back?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAxdjxZ80vYV
"T-That's e-enough.. Ecluna.." Arelin says through clenched teeth.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAI2x4RXwcPl
"Hmm? Did you say something Arelin?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAKxlChN1FKp
She floats closer towards him.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAWBf6fsbCkn
"D-don't...hurt her.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAXdfWN3B3q0
"...Jeez, I'll need to be quick if I wanna keep you."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAGN9fQSEtk0
Then, she turns back to me.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAm252d1XW6g
"Hopefully I can kill you before he changes back.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAnYIhY3H10w
She charges up another magic to attack me with, but I didn't move, because I was trying to help Arelin snap out of it.
Arelin was switching back and forth through forms, as if..this nightmare was finally coming to an end.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAPksdYUGCju
The last sliver of the Eclipse had to be charged up in it's final form.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA5QGFQUJi52
"Consider this a final message. If I can't kill you..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAbUIvUayRel
She immediately points the attack towards the others.
"Then I'll just kill them, and kill you from the inside!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAhriBT1RRfp
The attack fired, the maroon beam of Eclipsian magic tearing straight into the area where they were.
168Please respect copyright.PENANARWGrdotqQT
Ecluna didn't change her expression, her eyes never moved off of the area until the dust clouds cleared.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAUMTE0VILux
...A familiar, ancient aura became apparent.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAcGGGIGMUi5
When I looked behind me, I noticed someone was standing next to Mom while she held a pendant in the air.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAj3VZNnH4ws
"...Iset. It has been too long..." she says under her breath.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAi0Q3tzxSm6
"Now is not the time for salutations. You have summoned me to aid you in battle..."
The woman returns, hovering only slightly off of the ground.
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They were safe, luckily, the barrier that shielded them had barely a scratch.
168Please respect copyright.PENANACXsUwVwlyN
"Do not fret, Iris. She is weakened enough to where she can be subdued."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAYkWOYSViUW
"Subdue me? When she's barely touched me?"
Ecluna taunts again. "If you want her to die so bad, I'll always make it quick.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAHcBjmK5l3D
A scythe appears in her hand, as she brandishes it towards the bright red sky.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAzDP4O4hJUp
Slowly, I can feel my own form become more distant. Had my power begun to run out too?
168Please respect copyright.PENANAkHmD6BsRRt
I put up my own weapon, but suddenly I dropped it, and shook my head.
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"Again...your funeral.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANA0X2pzjnTQJ
Ecluna dashes straight for my chest, but once again, someone saves me.
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"...Rest now. You've done your task, Araginee."
Ciaran calmly says, cradling me. I let my true Darken form disappear. A great weight had been lifted from my chest as I grew tired.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAYcqFPEJ0Ud
However, that sense of tranquility was short lived, as suddenly Ciaran was shot out of the air with a sudden beam of energy.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAgB7SkwGEZa
"Of course you try to take my kill away from me, Ciaran!"
Ecluna says angrily.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAnlipx6gf2U
"I cherish her enough to put myself in danger."
168Please respect copyright.PENANATZifktSOA4
"...Okay then, one last deal..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAZB8wszhsV7
Ciaran preciously plants another kiss upon my head and handing me to a confused Arelin, and by this point, I had already started to close my eyes.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA9ua2EOuRjQ
"I-Iris...you have to stay awake."
168Please respect copyright.PENANATDk8DY1B4x
I open my eyes again. "Why?"
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He stops to think for a moment.
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"I'm n-not sure why but... just stay awake... it's b-better if you stay awake.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAi4aSkBRHwj
I nod. "Alright... I'll try.."
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I listen to the conversation between Ciaran and Ecluna.
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"Well, what is this deal of yours?"
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"Easy. Iris' safety in return of you."
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"You want to kill me in return for Iris' life? I am usually not very greedy, but I have a lot to live for.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAUA7hLkHKQn
"No no, I meant..." Ecluna pulls another transforming orb. "I get to keep you."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAIxx6M3gtiy
"...That is something...interesting.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANACQCSTLxsZR
"So, deal or no deal?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAp3RNyFFqhd
Ciaran steps forward and removes his cape.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAQhMyY3UDFu
"I will accept. Only if Arelin and Jake are released from your grasp.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAcHeGF9QZej
"Less fun, but a deal's a deal.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAS4lsG1kuqq
Ecluna calls on the powers of the eclipse, as Arelin and Jake dropped to the ground, but their appearance had changed back to normal.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAOMhudyYVHv
The two orbs used to transform them was brought into one, and Ecluna held it as it flared brilliantly.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAoYvO9zusQt
"This is where I will say farewell for now."
168Please respect copyright.PENANACaDd3PBwoN
Ecluna pushes the orb into his chest. I almost felt like puking as Ciaran's eyes began to blur. The transformation began to happen again..
168Please respect copyright.PENANAeP3K9y9TaE
Ciaran stood up, examining himself.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAtwd5CTMk09
"Isn't that a little better?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANA9c9xvmWJ8L
"It is...exhilarating."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAyTVCJa3Di6
"Good good. How about we give that power a little test run, shall we?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAg5U2rYtYr6
"With pleasure..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAsq4Xsjnp7N
Ciaran direction went straight to me. With no more of my energy readily available, I let him pull me from the ground with both of my wrists in his hands. He leans closer to my face and then...
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He starts to laugh. His laughing becomes so hysterical, I almost couldn't help but laugh with him. But... what was so funny?
168Please respect copyright.PENANAJNFX5HQWwa
"Ecluna, Ecluna, Ecluna...you poor soul. It seems you have misunderstood..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANACeYHQMTXQ6
He lets me go, turning back into his original form.
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"I have no bloodline. I made out of the essence of darkness itself. I cannot be Eclipsian by any means.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAO71b5n1G3T
"...Well, I guess that's it then..."
She shrugs. "I have no more power to throw at you.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAuXDADO90t2
The eclipse disappears from the sky, leaving dawn in it's place. Ecluna returns back to normal, with the small change of red tips at the ends of Ecluna's hair. Ecluna blinks, as if everything that has happened... disappeared from her mind without a trace.
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"W-what happened?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAaC0I3Nz84k
"...Take a look for yourself." Jake says, dusting himself off.
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Ecluna looks around. "D-did I do this?! What did I-..."
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The injuries she has sustained during the battle came as she started to cough up large amounts of blood. I was so worried about her, I had forgotten about my own blood running down my face.
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I stumbled towards her.
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"Iris, stop! D-don't hurt yourself more!"
She cried.
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"I have to make sure you're okay too.."
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"Don't worry about me, I'm fine-..."
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More blood spills from her mouth. "I'm okay, just...stay where you are.."
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"We have to get both of you to a hospital."
Arelin states. "The severity of your injuries could be fatal if they aren't treated."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAVMQVIKnx9Y
Arelin scoops Ecluna from the ground, while Ciaran does the same for me. That was the last thing I remember before finally giving into my tiredness.
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***
I see everyone else staring back at me. I was back at home, snuggled under my quilt on my bed.
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"Hello everyone..." I croak.
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Everyone lets out a sigh of relief.
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"Thank goodness you're alright." My mom says.
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"...How long has it been?"
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Jake gives my head a pat.
"A good four days. Ms. Ikura patched you up pretty good though..."
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I jump up, only to be met with discomfort and dizziness. I had to stumble back into a sitting position.
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"...Is Ecluna okay?"
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"She's disappeared, we have no idea where she could've gone..." Soluna says somberly.
"She was asleep at one point, and then the next...she wasn't there..."
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Mom rubs her shoulder, comforting her.
"We've sent your father and uncle to find her, Iris. The best thing you can do is rest.."
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"And you better rest too.." Aluise added.
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I nod. "Okay.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAeKEUDBFLke
I begin to shuffle back into bed, resting my head against the frame.
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"You're heading back to bed?" Jake says, sitting back in a chair.
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I nod my head again.
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"You're not even gonna eat first?"
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"I am...a little hungry..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAfflIC7ang6
"I think Arelin is making something..said he was waiting for you to wake up."
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"Could you call him here for a minute then?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANASelFt2rmPf
"... Alright." he gets back up from the chair with a slight limp and leaves. In a few seconds, Arelin was in the doorframe.
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"...I'm sorry if I distracted you.."
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"It's fine. It's just about done right now."
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"Ah, alright then.."
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"...Ciaran was asleep behind you earlier, but I'm not sure where he could've went.."
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I pull back the quilt again, where Ciaran was sleeping comfortably underneath.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA3ulW1O1xV3
"I found him.." I say, pulling him towards me.
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Ciaran wakes up when I do this, but promptly shuffles even closer.
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"This is the calmest I've ever seen him..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAW050czaIlw
"...I'll be right back. You must be hungry..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAhy5LQstoRq
"I'm starving! Bring back something really good okay?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAHvaCDpXRBR
A smirk appears on his face.
"Alright.."
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As soon as he leaves, Ciaran wakes up.
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"You are...awake..."
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"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I just needed to rest a bit.."
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Arelin comes back with a steaming plate.
"It's not much, but it should be enough with some bread.."
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He places the plate in front of me, before sitting on the bed beside me. I slowly pick up the fork and start eating.
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Afterwards, the sleepiness started to come back. I yawned as my body starts to slide underneath the quilt more and more.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA4QgvH1Auvx
"You're going back to sleep?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAE9mQVwgP8F
"Mhm...I want to be up bright and early tomorrow."
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Arelin gets up, taking the empty dish from my almost unresponsive hands.
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"I will...check on you in the morning then.."
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He turns off the lights and shuts the door. I slowly closed my eyes, and I drifted off to sleep.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA0cosG6UfCj
The next morning, I felt refreshed. Getting up from bed, I stretch and walk to my mirror.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAMrYMaifTtV
A sudden weight almost pulled me off my feet. As I struggled to stand up, I look at the mirror to see...
168Please respect copyright.PENANAPcFkL2QEe9
"Good morning, Araginee..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAap5jFFuviu
"Ciaran!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAk4yepshX5h
Ciaran held onto my shoulders and tried his best to hold on to my back while I tried to remove him.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAhIQN0p97qh
"Get off of me! You're too heavy!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAVA67a27Vvd
"You seem to be holding me just fine.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAWjJzls7Rco
I sighed heavily. "I don't want to carry you around!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAbLoRrGPact
We have a wrestle for a bit. Eventually, I gave into his ways and let him stay there.
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"How was your sleep?" he asked.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA29VosT7TaR
I stumble to the hallway. "It was fine. You were taking up all the bed space though.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAsrwmA2pkKb
I go into the kitchen, where Uncle Damien was asleep on the couch, and Mom and Dad sitting and drinking a cup of coffee together while Arelin made breakfast.
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"Good morning, Iris." Mom greeted, before giving Ciaran an untrusting, mean glare. "And Ciaran..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAFrxDSnc49b
Ciaran responds. "Good morning to you too.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAzCD4p5SgdS
Uncle Damien woke up in an attacking stance. I couldn't help but snicker a little at his expression, but I also had to feel a little sympathetic.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA6k4qrMesHn
"Did you have a nightmare, Uncle Damien?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANADgyhvhM3u1
Walking over to him, I give him a grin. "If you keep thinking about stressful stuff, you'll never get any sleep.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANA21B0msZwyr
He responds by tiredly turning around while mumbling and returning to sleep.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAdgOrQXtckp
"That grumpy older brother of mine won't even smile a little for his only niece.."
Mom smirked and shook her head.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAWVMHomXGxx
"Arelin! Iris!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANABafpApl2Fc
Someone comes running into my arms, but quickly, from the long, almost midnight colored hair, I immediately knew who it was.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAFFeeTRqL6Y
"Hey, Alena!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANA8xZ7aZdGRj
"I came as soon as I heard. Are you feeling alright?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAVMUwnsv9pl
I assure her that I was feeling fine. "Yep! I'm doing really well!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAHbYV0zcogn
"Good!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAS7ks7L9F4V
Alena then turns her attention to Ciaran, who I was still carrying.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA1sfcAJVL9J
"Huh? Why is he here?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAMJOHIVSvCi
"He decided it was a good idea to ride around with me today..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAwjgLdXY3KD
Ciaran only snickered mischievously.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAl8XyQf7a9p
"I sadly haven't been able to remove him yet.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAHRqvmPRJ9m
Alena playfully flicks his nose.
"I think he's cute. He's like a little baby."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAJJzBXcbdVC
"You compare me to a child?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAdCjiJTp16G
"Admit it, you can't go anywhere without Iris."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAf4QJlVFAlk
A weight was lifted from my back as Ciaran jumps off to lend Alena a stare.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAuVBsbwfHK4
"A-Ah! He's quick to anger!"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAli8UJyS2v5
"Do not belittle me, Alena."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAr1uukQedlh
"Hehe, belittle." She punned. Arelin laughs as well.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAfvsl1TXKoJ
"Why you..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAyuhqpWblQv
Before Ciaran could get a hold of her neck, I pull him back. "Alright Ciaran, no need to get all snippy."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAxDsHnHC9T8
He slips back behind me.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAJrc9qLYG5f
"That...girl..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAXizG9y8wRQ
"Don't worry, she's just messing with you."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAxmOoC1PNJE
"...Her presence now pesters me to no end.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAGAvDzCm0p4
I sigh. "You're a lot of work, you know that?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANA2ugxapR9rH
He rests his chin on my shoulder.
"Am I?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAJYkiVnWaJ5
"...No, not really. Not anymore."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAccqbUKgAoM
"Perfect. Then I will never leave your side."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAplHf1cH6Eo
I immediately regretted the words I said earlier, as I realized he wasn't going to let me go.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA7IeZMCapzZ
I had to walk around with Ciaran all day, having small talk every other hour or so. Once the sky became a deep blue, I had found a comforting aura within the Darken as he slept.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA6PdYBkV2LM
I took him to bed, and about to head there myself, when someone knocked on my room window.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAcm274rpJLx
I quickly cover Ciaran up with the quilt and walk to the window. I slowly unlock and open it, where a piece of the night jumped into my room.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAywgUPiJ27n
"Hey Iris..."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAxRxOoLAjj1
Ecluna was still wrapped up in the old bandages.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA4f9HBUvwWV
"Ecluna?! We've been looking for you! Where have you been?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANA7gP0ZptvdX
"I was only doing what I promised.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAq9ooCre4ZA
I lead her to the edge of the bed to sit, and rests her head on my shoulder.
168Please respect copyright.PENANAFAMXLRuwHJ
"I didn't want you to leave. I just wanted my friend back. That's why I pushed as hard as I did."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAkgOpSVuBat
"...I understand how destructive I can be under influence of the Eclipse."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAn87fG1Ieli
"As do I with my new Darken forms.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAtXcdb1WcYN
She sadly chuckled. "...If only I had your mental strength.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAAjGSKtxXLX
"...It's getting late. Do you still want to leave?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANAGEtwoaapD8
Ecluna was weighing her options. After a confusing thought, finally, she came to a conclusion.
168Please respect copyright.PENANA6jYeFNweAJ
"...I'll have to think about it."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAAKNKZeLbfV
"Then you can stay here for the night." I threw her a pillow and pointed towards the closet."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAV301gYmsbe
"There's blankets and extra pillows in there. Help yourself to them."
168Please respect copyright.PENANA98XU9HaYgP
"Thanks again for...forgiving me.."
168Please respect copyright.PENANAHNLrUKETXj
"Of course. That's what I'm supposed to do, isn't it?"
168Please respect copyright.PENANALMYeikdnla
She slowly pulls a blanket from the closet, making a makeshift bed. I then turned off my bedside lamp and shuffled into bed.
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I wonder what the morning will bring.
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